Sleep Apnea Therapy in Ponte Vedra Beach
Do you have problems sleeping at night? Do you wake up tired? Do you snore? You may have sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is a serious sleep disorder that presents itself when someone's breathing is interrupted during sleep. People who have untreated sleep apnea will stop breathing repeatedly during their sleep, sometimes hundreds of times. This means the brain – and the rest of the body – may not get enough oxygen.
Sleep Apnea Treatment
Our doctors have been thoroughly trained to treat sleep apnea for the residents of Ponte Vedra and surrounding communities. The standard of care for years has been the CPAP. The CPAP forces air into the airway to maintain proper oxygen flow. However, many patients who have used the CPAP claim that it is so uncomfortable that they often choose not to wear it. This is why dental devices have become of favorite of many patients.
First, the Embletta Gold is a portable testing device that is reliable, flexible and easy to use. This is a take home device that allows us to determine if you are having signs of obstructive sleep apnea. To diagnose the majority of sleep disordered breathing, a device such as the Embletta is perfectly adequate.
If we decide that the best course of action is a dental sleep apnea appliance, we will use SomnoDent products. SomnoDent® is a custom made device worn during sleep to increase the upper airway volume and reduce collapsibility. Instead of forcing air into the airway, the dental appliance will gently open the airway by slightly repositioning the mouth to allow for proper breathing.
What are our products?
We utilize the services of two different companies in treating sleep apnea: Somnomed and Embla. Embla is the largest company in the world to focus solely on sleep diagnostics. Their vision is to be closer to their customers, which they accomplish by providing outstanding technical and customer service and support. They pride themselves in offering customer user groups worldwide, listening to their customers’ needs and feedback, and learning about tools and features needed to operate your sleep business most efficiently. Embla has a wide spectrum of innovative sleep diagnostic solutions to offer as well, including the Embletta® Gold™ portable sleep testing device, the Enterprise™ Sleep Business Management System, and a choice of three leading PSG platforms: Sandman®, REMbrandt™ and RemLogic™ which feature tools to help optimize the efficiency of your sleep lab while allowing the best in patient care.
Sleep Apnea FAQs
If you suspect you have sleep apnea, we encourage you to contact us as soon as possible to schedule your consultation. In the meantime, it is understandable if you have questions about this disorder and how it is treated. That is why we have put together the following list of FAQs. If you would like more information about anything you read here, give us a call. We will be happy to personally assist you.
What Are the Different Types of Sleep Apnea?
There are two main categories of sleep apnea. The most common type is obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). It occurs when tissues in the throat block the upper airway. OSA is the condition that our practice focuses on treating. The other type of sleep apnea is central sleep apnea (CSA). It occurs when the brain fails to send proper breathing signals to the rest of the body. Some patients have combined sleep apnea, which includes characteristics of both OSA and CSA.
What Are the Health Risks Associated with Sleep Apnea?
While many people regard OSA as a mere nuisance, it is actually a very serious condition. Left untreated, it can lead to constant daytime fatigue, which in turn may contribute to decreased productivity at work and an increased risk of motor vehicle accidents. Over the long-term, it can be a factor in weight gain, cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and other grave health conditions.
Who Is Most at Risk for Sleep Apnea?
OSA can affect anyone, including children, athletes, men, and women. However, there are some groups who are at a heightened risk. These groups include obese individuals (particularly those with a large neck circumference), men, postmenopausal women, people who smoke, and those who have anatomical abnormalities that affect the upper airway.
Can I Treat Sleep Apnea at Home?
You may be able to make some lifestyle adjustments to lessen the severity of obstructive sleep apnea. For example, sleeping on your side instead of your back may be beneficial. Cutting back on alcohol and caffeine (particularly during the last few hours before bedtime) could also reduce nighttime breathing problems. If you are overweight, dropping some excess pounds may relieve pressure on your airway and reduce or even eliminate sleep apnea.
With all of that being said, it is still important that you seek professional diagnosis and treatment. Our team can give you pointers for at-home care in addition to providing you with an effective oral sleep appliance.
Does Insurance Cover Sleep Apnea Treatment?
Sleep apnea treatment in Ponte Vedra Beach is not usually covered by dental insurance. However, your medical policy may help you to pay for both your at-home sleep test and your oral appliance. Our team will be happy to help you understand and navigate your insurance benefits.